Cody Casey
Cooking game hens in a crock pot is an easy way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. Requiring minimal prep and a handful of simple ingredients, this method is perfect for busy weeknights. The crock pot infuses the meat with flavour, and the slow-cooking process ensures the meat falls off the bone. The recipe can be adapted to your preference, with various herbs and spices, and served with vegetables and potatoes for a complete meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cookware | Crock pot/slow cooker |
| Ingredients | Cornish game hens, onion, potatoes, carrots, butter, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, oregano, thyme, pepper, rosemary |
| Prep | Rinse hens, pat dry, season, place in crock pot, cook |
| Cooking time | 4-8 hours, depending on temperature setting |
| Temperature | Low: 165-180°F; High: 180°F |
| Serving suggestions | Rice, roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning the hens
Firstly, it is important to rinse the hens under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the seasoning will adhere better to the surface of the hens.
For the seasoning mixture, you can combine a variety of herbs and spices. In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, and ground black pepper. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient according to your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, you can add more ground black pepper or include some cayenne pepper. Alternatively, you can use a pre-made poultry seasoning blend or opt for smoked paprika, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning for a unique flavour profile.
Once you have prepared the seasoning mixture, it's time to rub it onto the hens. Using your hands or a brush, generously coat the hens with the seasoning mixture, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly. Take your time with this step to ensure the flavour is well-distributed.
For an extra flavour boost, you can also stuff the cavity of the hens with aromatics like garlic cloves, lemon wedges, or fresh herb sprigs such as rosemary or thyme directly into the crockpot. This will impart a subtle yet delightful flavour to the meat from the inside out.
After seasoning, place the hens in the crockpot, following the rest of your chosen recipe's instructions for cooking. Remember that the seasoning is a versatile aspect of the dish, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your preferred flavour profile.
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Preparing the crock pot
Once you've selected your crock pot, it's time to prepare the crock pot itself. Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the food from sticking to the surface and make cleanup easier.
Next, you'll want to prepare the vegetables that will go into the crock pot. Cut an onion into quarters and place them in the crock pot. If you're using full-size potatoes, cut them into large bite-sized cubes, and add them to the crock pot along with the onions. You can also add baby carrots, or cut larger carrots into 2-inch chunks. If desired, you can include other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and olives.
At this point, you can also add some chicken broth to the crock pot for added moisture and flavour. Place the Cornish game hens on top of the bed of vegetables. If you're using a dry rub or seasoning, be sure to apply it to the hens before placing them in the crock pot. You can also add butter pieces all over and around the hens for extra moisture and flavour.
Finally, cover the crock pot with its lid and set the desired cooking temperature and time, depending on whether you want to cook the hens on high or low heat. Your crock pot may even have a setting that automatically switches from high to low heat after a certain amount of time.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time for game hens in a crock pot depends on the desired temperature setting and the number of hens being cooked. On average, cooking two game hens on high heat takes between 3.5 and 4 hours, while cooking on low heat takes between 6 and 8 hours.
For example, one source recommends cooking two hens on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. Another source suggests cooking two hens on high for 3.5 hours or on low for 6 hours.
It's important to note that some crock pots have an automatic function that starts the cooking process on high heat and then switches to low heat after a couple of hours. This feature can be useful for achieving the desired cooking temperature without constantly monitoring the process.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the crock pot, as well as the accuracy of its temperature settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for specific information about your crock pot's cooking times and temperatures.
To ensure the hens are cooked thoroughly, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The desired internal temperature for the hens is between 165°F and 180°F. This can be achieved by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, such as the inner thigh, to ensure that the juices run clear without any traces of blood.
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Making the dish crispy
Cornish game hens cooked in a crock pot will have slightly crispy skin, but if you want to make the skin crispier, there are several methods you can try. One option is to place the hens under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. Be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning. You can also try pan-searing the hens on a stovetop to get a crispy skin. To do this, heat your preferred fat (such as butter or ghee) over medium-high heat, then place the chicken in the pan and turn it to brown and crisp all sides.
Another option is to transfer the cooked hens to an oven-safe baking dish and broil them for 2-3 minutes, just until the skin is golden brown. You can also try crisping the skin by transferring the hens to a broiler-safe pan and broiling them on high for 2-3 minutes. This step is optional, but it will give your Cornish game hens a crispy, crackling skin.
Additionally, you can try searing the hens in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot. Simply heat your preferred fat in the skillet over medium-high heat, then place the hens in the skillet and sear until they are browned and crispy all over.
It's important to note that the skin of the Cornish game hens should be properly browned and crispy when cooked. To ensure this, it is recommended to rinse the hens under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
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Serving suggestions
Slow-cooked game hens are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your crockpot game hens:
Vegetables
Roasted or steamed vegetables are a great option to serve with game hens. You can choose from a variety of veggies such as broccoli, baby carrots, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. For a healthier option, serve them steamed or boiled. If you prefer your veggies with a bit of char, roasting or broiling them in the oven will add a nice crispness. You can also serve them with wild rice or Lebanese rice.
Starch
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the juicy game hens. For a more colourful plate, consider adding some sweet potato fries or corn on the cob. If you're feeling adventurous, try making olive oil-roasted potatoes for a flavourful twist.
Greens
To balance out the meal, consider serving a side of green beans, steamed broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. These vegetables provide a nice contrast in texture and colour to the game hens.
Salad and Bread
A small side salad with some dinner rolls is another option to accompany the game hens. This can be a refreshing addition to the meal, especially if you include some crisp, fresh greens and a tangy dressing.
Dessert
To truly impress your guests, don't forget to serve a delicious dessert after the meal. A sour cream chocolate bundt cake or a butter pecan bundt cake will be the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can get creative with your sides and pairings. The beauty of crockpot game hens is that they go well with many different dishes, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook game hens in a crock pot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3.5-4 hours.
You will need 2 Cornish game hens, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, ground black pepper, potatoes, baby carrots, and chicken broth.
The skin should turn golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear. The meat should be opaque and no longer pink.
